Some rely on chariots, others on horses,
but we on the Name of the Lord our God…
A Powerful Prayer for World Leaders in Times of War – Psalm 20
Christians are called to pray for the Church and clergy as well as for the leaders of the world. Our earliest forefathers were notorious for praying for the Kings of their time before, during and after battle. Similar to us today, our leaders need prayer for divine help, protection (v 2-6), and faith — confidence that such help will be granted them (so long as it is in alignment with God’s will) [v 7-10]. In addition to those prayers, Christians should also pray for their leaders’ conversion if their (the leaders’) hearts are not with God.
To that end, it is important to note that it is only in union with God one can be safeguarded from the snares of sin and relentless wiles of the devil. The military allegory of Psalm 20 also aptly describes the battles the faithful must wage against the internal inclination to sin, attacks from Satan, and the world’s hostility and indifference to God, His Laws and the People of God. Even though the forces of evil are no match for the power of God, it is inherent to the teachings of Christ that His followers seek and pray for peace and not war. In practice, the faithful are called to respond to those who hurt, anger, and revile us with forgiveness, mercy and a willingness to reconcile if possible. The reward for such virtue and loyalty to God’s Word will be a temporal and eternal one.
As you prayerfully mediate on the words of this article, A Powerful Prayer for World Leaders in Times of War, remember that the Lord promises victory to the faithful (v 7) — in this particular case, those who sacrificially pray for the conversion of the world, for world leaders and for unrelenting peace.
A Powerful Prayer for World Leaders in Times of War – Psalm 20
Holy Father, please hear this declaration …
The Lord answer you in time of distress;
the Name of the God of Jacob defend you!
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
from Zion be your support.
May He remember your every offering,
graciously accept your burnt offering,
Selah
Grant what is in your heart,
fulfill your every plan.
May we shout for joy at your victory,
raise the banners in the Name of our God.
The Lord grant your every petition!
Now I know the Lord gives victory
to His anointed.
He will answer him from the Holy Heavens
with a strong arm that brings victory.
Some rely on chariots, others on horses,
but we on the Name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we stand strong and firm.
Lord, grant victory to the king;
answer when we call upon you.
Amen.
(adapted from Psalm 20)
For Meditation
Take a few minutes to quietly pray for our world now; for the repentance and conversion for those currently in power or with influence; and for divine discernment and Wisdom in your own life. End your prayer with, “Lord Jesus, I trust in You. Lord Jesus, have mercy on the world. Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me also. It is in Your good and holy Name I pray, Amen.”
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